Operational Planner Policy and Plans Support Specialist

The Senior Planning Support Specialist drives day-to-day execution of MARFORPAC G-5 (Plans) deliberate planning support and the daily planning battle rhythm. The role owns delivery of assigned planning support outputs—coordination, staffing, and product production—so leaders receive on-time, decision-ready materials that enable execution across the Joint Planning and Execution Community (JPEC). This role applies established templates/standards and ensures planning actions move from tasking to closure.

Key Responsibilities

• Support assigned planning support efforts across operational, functional, campaign, and posture planning cycles to meet directed timelines
• Synchronize inputs across USINDOPACOM, Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), MARFORPAC staff divisions, adjacent components/sub-unified commands, and Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs)
• Manage planning tasks, suspense dates, staffing actions, decision points, and follow-through to reduce delays and rework
• Run Operational Planning Team (OPT) and working group support (prep, read-aheads, notes/actions, closeout)
• Develop briefing decks, information papers, and planning documents for senior leader review/approval
• Edit and format products to ensure clarity, consistency, and executive-ready quality using established standards
• Maintain version control and auditable staffing/coordination records across iterations
• Coordinate program-based planning tasks to align assumptions, inputs, and outputs across organizations
• Support posture initiative planning activities by organizing inputs, staffing actions, and implementation tracking (as directed)
• Coach junior staff on battle rhythm discipline, staffing hygiene, and product formatting to improve throughput

Qualifications

• Bachelors and ten (10) years or more of related experience; Masters and eight (8) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and five (5) years or more experience.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• 7+ years’ experience supporting military, joint, or federal civilian planning (meetings/working groups, staff products for senior leaders)
• Demonstrated proficiency producing/editing briefing decks, information papers, and formal planning documents
• Familiarity with JPEC processes and joint planning forums (e.g., OPTs, joint planning groups)
• Ability to comply with government workplace requirements and obtain/maintain any required access/eligibility

Skills & Competencies

• Operational execution, suspense management, and staffing discipline
• Stakeholder coordination in high-tempo, deadline-driven environments
• Clear writing and synthesis of complex inputs into decision-ready outputs
• Attention to detail, formatting rigor, and version control
• Professional judgment on when to elevate risks, conflicts, or late-breaking changes

Autonomy, Decision Authority & Accountability

• Owns day-to-day planning support execution for assigned efforts (battle rhythm, staffing mechanics, delivery)
• Decides work sequencing and coordination approach within established standards; escalates priority conflicts/tradeoffs to government leads
• Accountable for on-time delivery, complete staffing packages, and reliable coordination closure

Preferred

• Advanced planning education (e.g., JAWS/SAMS/MAWS/JCWS/JPME)
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP)
• Prior relevant MOS experience (e.g., USMC 0505/0302/0502/0511)
• Prior experience working with/alongside USINDOPACOM, MARFORPAC, HQMC, a combatant command, Service component, or MEF HQ